WESTEL UPDATE: GOG AGREES TO PARTICIPATE IN

UNCLAS ACCRA 000181

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

PLEASE PASS TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR RASHIDA PETERSEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ECPS EINV GH
SUBJECT: WESTEL UPDATE: GOG AGREES TO PARTICIPATE IN
ARBITRATION

REF: 03 STATE 269530


1. (SBU) The GoG has agreed to participate in the arbitration
case filed against it by Westel parent Western Wireless
International (WWI). This reversal of the GoG's previously
stated position was announced in a letter to Westel Director
Bill Taylor December 17. This decision followed AF/W Office
Director Arietti's discussion of the business climate in
Ghana with Ambassador Fritz Poku on December 14 (reftel). On
January 19 the GoG named former UK Lord Chancellor, Lord
Irvine (first Labor Party Lord Chancellor in the UK) as its
arbitrator. According to Taylor, Minister of Communications
Kan Dapaah followed this up with an informal invitation to
submit a white paper outlining possible points for informal
negotiations.


2. (SBU) In discussion with EconOff, Taylor expressed
satisfaction with the GoG's decision on arbitration
participation. For this reason Post is proposing modified
language --via e-mail to the desk-- for a letter in clearance
to President Kufuor from the Secretary of State on AGOA
eligibility.


3. (SBU) COMMENT: The quick naming of a reputable arbitrator
indicates the GoG may finally be ready to seriously involve
itself in the arbitration process and differs from delaying
tactics used in prior cases involving US companies. Post
will continue to monitor developments closely. END COMMENT.
YATES